Madagascar Wild West Adventure: River Cruise, Tsingy, Baobabs & Dry Forests

Discover the very essence of Madagascar through an exceptional itinerary combining nature, adventure, and authenticity.
Relax on the Tsiribihina River, explore the spectacular Tsingy of Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the mythical sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs.
An unforgettable journey into the heart of a preserved region, rich in emotions, discoveries, and meaningful human encounters.

Day 1: Antananarivo
Upon arrival at Antananarivo Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative for a warm greeting. After a short briefing, transfer to your selected hotel for check-in and rest before the adventure begins. Havana Resort Hotel or similar.
Day 2: Antananarivo → Antsirabe – 180 km, approx. 4 hours
Early departure south through the lush highlands of Madagascar. First stop in Ampatolampy, famous for its traditional aluminum cookware workshops — a craft passed down through generations.
The road then winds toward Antsirabe, a charming thermal town nicknamed “the city of water”. After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour to discover local artisans: silk weavers, zebu horn sculptors, and gemstone cutters. Menabel Hotel or similar.
Day 3: Antsirabe → Miandrivazo → Masiakampy – 270 km, approx. 7 hours
This morning, head to the majestic Lake Tritriva, nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano, with deep blue waters surrounded by impressive cliffs.
Then travel west through beautiful rolling landscapes to Miandrivazo, before reaching Masiakampy, the starting point of your river adventure.
Eden de la Tsiribihina Hotel.
Days 4 & 5: Tsiribihina River Descent
After breakfast, board a motorized boat and begin the descent of the Tsiribihina River. With some luck, you may spot crocodiles basking along the riverbanks, as well as other wildlife such as turtles, bats in the gorges and cliffs, and especially birds like herons, teals, and knob-billed ducks. You will also discover a wide variety of landscapes including picturesque villages, vast cultivated plains, a tobacco concession in the village of Begidro, stunning natural pools fed by waterfalls, and much more. Camping with full board.
Day 6: Belo-sur-Tsiribihina → Bekopaka – 110 km, approx. 4 hours
End of the river descent in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina, a lively small town with rural charm. After lunch, drive to Bekopaka, the gateway to the famous Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.
The road crosses vast savannahs and dry forests before arriving at your hotel at sunset.
Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 7: Bekopaka → Grand Tsingy → Bekopaka – 35 km round trip, approx. 3 hours
A full day dedicated to visiting the famous Tsingy of Bemaraha — a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site composed of sharp, fluted limestone formations rising up to 50 meters high, home to endemic wildlife and flora (lemurs, birds, plants). According to many visitors, this is one of the most spectacular sites in Madagascar. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and long trousers to avoid cuts. The visit lasts approximately 5–6 hours. Olympe de Bemaraha Hotel or similar.
Day 8: Bekopaka → Morondava – 220 km, approx. 8 hours
Early departure to Morondava on the west coast. Along the way, stop in Belo-sur-Tsiribihina for a traditional lunch before crossing the river by ferry.
At the end of the day, enjoy the long-awaited magical moment: the sunset over the Avenue of the Baobabs. These ancient giants glow in golden light, offering one of Madagascar’s most iconic sights.
Laguna Beach Hotel or similar.
Day 9: Morondava → Antananarivo
Transfer to Morondava Airport for your flight to Antananarivo.
Upon arrival, visit the Rova of Ambohimanga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal city, an important spiritual and historical landmark.
In the afternoon, stroll through a handicraft and souvenir market where you can find sculptures, textiles, spices, and unique traditional items.
Chat’o Park Hotel or similar.
Day 10: Antananarivo
Depending on your flight schedule, free time followed by transfer to Antananarivo Airport.
This marks the end of your incredible journey through the landscapes, culture, and warm hospitality of Madagascar.
End of our services.

Price per person

1 traveler: €3000 (single)
2 travelers: €1650 (double/twin)
3 travelers: €1500 (triple)
4 travelers: €1350 (double/twin)
5 travelers: €1200 (1 double + 1 triple)
6 travelers: €1100 (3 double/twin)

For more options, please contact us.

Included
Domestic flight | Private vehicle with driver/guide | Tsiribihina River descent by motorized barge with full board | Entrance fees to listed excursions | Accommodation with dinner and breakfast | All transfers
Not Included
Entry visa (€35 per person) | Lunches not mentioned | Drinks | Personal expenses | Anything not listed under Included

Antsirabe

Located not far from the Malagasy capital at over 1,400 meters altitude, Antsirabe can be quite cold during the austral winter. This former thermal town has retained its picturesque colonial charm and remains peaceful and relaxed. You can enjoy cycling or horseback excursions in Vakinankatatra. The city is also famous for its beautifully decorated rickshaws. Ideal for hikers, Lake Tritriva and Mount Ibity are excellent destinations.

Masiakampy

Masiakampy is a quiet fishing village on the banks of the Tsiribihina River, with fewer than 200 inhabitants. It is an ideal spot to enjoy sunset views, located about 40 km south of Miandrivazo.

Belo-sur-Tsiribihina

Belo-sur-Tsiribihina is a large village located in the Tsiribihina delta. It preserves relics of the great Sakalava kings of Menabe. It is the arrival point for river descents and a mandatory passage for travelers heading to the Tsingy of Bemaraha, whether arriving by river or by track from Morondava.

Bekopaka

A small town in western Madagascar, Bekopaka is accessible only during the dry season, from approximately May to November. Visitors come to explore the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels are located outside the village center, and despite its quiet appearance, Bekopaka becomes lively during peak tourist season, especially from July to October.

Morondava

Capital of the Menabe region, Morondava lies on the delta of the river of the same name. The city has long battled the sea, reclaiming nearly 2 km of cultivated plains at a place known as La Passe Bethania over the past century and a half. Morondava is also the gateway to the iconic Avenue of the Baobabs, located less than 19 km from the city center.